Educational Leadership PK-12 Programs

 

The UND Educational Leadership graduate programs with a PK-12 emphasis give students a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively as an educational leader. Our graduates work in a variety of settings, including:

• PK-12 schools
• Higher education
• Other non-profit educational settings

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare students for administrative positions in either elementary, middle school or secondary schools. Upon completion of the M.Ed. degree, a student will have completed the academic requirements for the North Dakota principal credential at either the elementary or secondary level. Applicants for the M.Ed. must be licensed to teach and it is recommended they have a minimum of three years of teaching experience.

The Specialist Diploma, available at UND only in Educational Leadership, is designed for students preparing for school administrative positions. This course of study is usually considered to be a terminal program of advanced preparation for professional practice. Upon completion of the Specialist Diploma, a student generally will have completed the requirements for an administrative credential including those required for the position of school superintendent in North Dakota.

The Educational Leadership (PK-12 emphasis) program offers two doctoral programs: Ph.D. and Ed.D. The Ph.D. program is designed for students preparing for positions in which research and creative experience are predominant interests. Ph.D. candidates are expected to have undertaken and completed independent research for the dissertation leading to an original contribution of knowledge in the field. It is generally expected that the Ph.D. dissertation will be publishable. This degree option typically provides preparation for those who aspire to leadership positions in higher education in government agencies, or in other educational policy organizations.

The Ed.D. program is designed primarily for practitioners preparing for school administration positions such as:

• Elementary, middle, or secondary level principalships
• Superintendencies
• Curriculum directorships
• Other school district central office administrators

Upon completion of the Ed.D. degree, a student generally will have completed the requirements for an administrative credential including those required for the position of superintendent in North Dakota.